In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rapinha has heaped praise the style of play effected by Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez.
“Something I’ve seen that caught my attention is the way of playing, and now of training, always close to the rival’s goal, something that we strikers love.” Rapinha said.
“The way of pressing, always looking for contact with the ball and goals, I really like this style, it helps me a lot.” Rapinha added.
Raphinha also admitted that, at the moment, he is closer to Ansu Fati and Ronald Araujo. The Brazilian highlighted that both speak Portuguese.
“I’m very close to Ansu (Fati) and Ronald (Araujo), because they both speak Portuguese and Ronald also because he’s South American and there’s more proximity.” Rapinha said.
“I’m getting along with everyone, my life project is to get along with everyone. For the moment, I spend more time with Ansu and Ronald because they speak Portuguese, but everyone welcomed me very well and I’m very grateful.” he added.
Rapinha scored his second goal in two games for Barcelona to seal a 1-0 El Clasico win over Real Madrid with an absolute stunner.
Speaking after the game on his attacking options, Xavi said: “You have already seen Raphinha show that he is capable of making a difference, very dynamic, he can play on both wings.
“And Robert is a world star. A world star who comes with tremendous humility, who comes to help us and who has adapted very quickly.” Xavi added.
Barcelona still have two more pre-season friendlies after drawing with Juventus on Tuesday.
The Catalans face the New York Red Bulls next Saturday and on August 7, they will play in the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy against Pumas, from Mexico.
The debut in the Spanish LaLiga is scheduled for August 13, against Rayo Vallecano.
